UK unemployment rate drops unexpectedly Most analysts had predicted the rate would remain unchanged at 5.2%.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Global instability, from the war in Ukraine to events in the Middle East, affects energy bills. That’s why I’ve joined Labour MPs calling to separate electricity and gas prices, helping deliver fairer bills. The Chancellor is now looking at how this change can be brought in.

Good news - we’re doubling down on clean energy

Why? Because it’s cheaper than natural gas

It's even cheaper to build now 👇

Government to propose electricity price changes in clean power push The war in the Middle East has brought renewed attention to Britain's vulnerability to energy price shocks.

Due to the Iran war we’re experiencing the 2nd fossil fuel shock in 5 years

Half of recessions since 1970 are due to fossil fuel shocks

Our economy, household finances & families have paid the price

The solution lies in clean homegrown power we control

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

I welcome the Govt's renewed Women's Health Strategy, which addresses health inequalities & medical misogyny experienced by far too many women. (1/2)

Parliamentlive.tv Business and Trade Committee

Watch live 2:30pm 👇

parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...

Parliamentlive.tv Business and Trade Committee

Tomorrow afternoon I'm chairing a major evidence session on Britain's economic future with China.

Business and Trade Committee will question CBI; Make UK; AstraZeneca; Brompton Bicycle; TheCityUK; Edinburgh University; techUK.

Can Britain trade with China without losing control of its future?

Great to visit The Vinyl Whistle for Record Store Day this weekend! #RSD26 #LS6

£14bn. Thousands of jobs. Real change for East Birmingham & North Solihull.

The West Midlands Combined Authority has confirmed that a formal bid to create the UK's largest Mayoral Development Corporation is now with the Secretary of State!

It was fantastic to be out supporting Councillor Tom Briars-Delve alongside neighbouring MP Luke Pollard for the upcoming local elections in Plymouth.

There’s some fantastic councillors in Plymouth, right at the heart of their communities.

My next surgery will be in Saltash on Friday 1st May, if you’d like to book in, please get in contact via email as soon as possible.

It was great to visit Reading Buses to see the new fully electric 26 service.

Click below to find out more about this route:
www.reading-buses.co.uk/services/RBU...

My work last week: Secured agreement from the Secretary of State to visit the new James Williams Healthy Living Centre at the Pentagon in Chatham, which is bringing vital health services closer to where people live and work. Asked the Prime Minister a question at PMQs about how we are continuing to support our armed forces and manage the risks associated with the conflict in the Middle East. Met the Policing Minister and the new Kent Police Chief Inspector at Medway Police Station to discuss the positive impact of new investment in neighbourhood policing. Met the Social Investment Business group to discuss how to improve access to youth services across Rochester and Strood. Met Medway Council to discuss how we will work together to take forward the £20 million Pride in Place investment in Strood over the next decade. Welcomed Armed Forces Minister Al Carns MP to the constituency to meet Labour members and celebrate our strong military history.

From asking a PMQ to meeting the Policing Minister in the constituency - find out what I’ve been working on locally and in Westminster as part of my most recent round‑up:

Crikey! (Strong language, I know, but justified...)

The BBC are back to running a live feed on the old Starmer / Mandelson story.

Where's their live feed on whether Refukker Tice can survive his latest tax 'issue'?

🤔

COMEDY COTTAGE - FRIDAY 24th APRIL - With ATHENA KUGBLENU & SUPPORT ACTS! COMEDY COTTAGE - FRI 24th April - REDHILL BELFRY SHOPPING CENTRE - with ATHENA KUGBLENU + A SMORGASBOARD of RISING STAR SUPPORT ACTS!

This FRIDAY in REDHILL. Come compare what I look like now with this incredibly old cringey headshot that chills me to me bone marrow

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/comedy-cot...

Great to have Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones MP visit to go out on patrol with Kent Police and meet our new Chief Inspector Gary Woodward. We discussed how the Government’s investment in neighbourhood policing is already bearing fruit, with reduced crime rates in our town centres.

NHS wait list dips to 7.22 million The number of people waiting to start NHS treatment in England decreased to 7.22 million in February 2026, down 31,006

NHS hospital waiting list down to 7.22m appointments for 6.11m individuals.

Down from 7.77m when Tories left office.

2.70m waiting over 18 weeks.

Illnesses has huge social cost - pressure on public services, welfare, economic output.

Must expand NHS capacity.

Some of you may not know I sit on the Backbench Business Select Committee — the first of its kind in the House of Commons. We decide which debates backbench MPs get to bring forward, and where they're heard.

Do you need help with a local issue in #NorthSomerset?

As your MP, I am here to help through both online and face-to-face surgeries.

If you would like to book in for a surgery, please use the form👇
forms.office.com/e/7hMFv9RYhh

A stronger start for children in South Norfolk!

Long Stratton’s Family Hub is now backed by the Best Start programme.

This means better childcare, joined up services, and real support for families. Important progress in giving every child the start they deserve. This is what Labour Governments do

We’re making mornings easier for families in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.

✅ Free Breakfast Clubs
✅ 30 Hours Childcare
✅ Cheaper Uniforms

#folkestone #hythe #romneymarsh #FreeBreakfast

Time for some to contain themselves, still. Time to stand with Starmer.

A moment to get behind Keir Starmer, and a moment to look to the good that has, already, been done. The Mandelson mistake has been apologised for, with dignity and grace, and lessons need to be learned, indeed. But the good the government are doing, under Starmer, should be appreciated.

A moment to get behind Keir Starmer, and a moment to look to the good that has, already, been done. The Mandelson mistake has been apologised for, with dignity and grace, and lessons need to be learned, indeed. But the good the government are doing, under Starmer, should be appreciated.

I hope all will get behind Keir Starmer.

The insider trading suspicions looming over Trump's presidency The BBC has found a pattern of spikes in trades ahead of public announcements by the US president.

So often, the face of a spoiled child www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

The insider trading suspicions looming over Trump's presidency The BBC has found a pattern of spikes in trades ahead of public announcements by the US president.

So often, the face of a spoiled child www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Agree. I've seen a number of posts on social media from people saying they've unsubscribed.

Seeing some headlines claiming rejoining Erasmus+ programme will “brainwash” young people.

Complete and utter nonsense.

I spent one of the best years of my life in Hannover, met friends I’m still in touch with & improved critical thinking by having my views challenged from different perspectives.

🚨 In case you missed it:

Here are nine things Labour delivered this week… 🌹